MassDEP Fines National Grid for Waste Site Cleanup Violations in Malden

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection recently fined National Grid $15,000 for waste site cleanup violations that occurred during construction activity along an easement at 100 Charles St. in Malden, according to a MassDEP press statement.

In 1997, the Charles Street property had reportable levels of contaminants in the soil, according to the statement. The required cleanup was completed in 2008, and included a notice of Activity and Use Limitation because contaminated soil remained capped on the property, reads the statement. The AUL mandated that certain preventive measures be implemented prior to the disturbance of contaminated sub-surface soils at the site, the statement adds.

"National Grid is well-aware of the dangers of digging without the proper safety measures," said Eric Worrall, acting director of MassDEP's Northeast Regional Office in Wilmington, in the statement. "National Grid admitted it knew and claims to have added this property to its list of properties with an AUL, but dropped the ball by failing to cross-reference that list before beginning the work."

In January 2012, National Grid's contractor installed 132-foot natural gas line, four feet down, without first preparing a soil management plan and a health and safety plan as required, according to the statement. The violations came to light during a routine inspection by MassDEP. 

In addition to the fine, National Grid must demonstrate it can ensure future compliance by submitting to MassDEP an updated copy of its standard operating procedures for projects at oil and hazardous material sites, according to the statement. 

New England Coffee, owner of the Charles Street property, is not responsible for the violations, according to the statement. The site was first listed with MassDEP in 1997 after elevated levels of metals and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons were discovered at the site. A waste site cleanup appropriate for commercial properties was completed in 2008, provided that the AUL requirements were followed, reads the statement.